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This week’s new questions

Might whales, sharks and rays breach just because it feels good? And as Earth’s rotation slows, how long will it be before the rules for deciding on leap years have to be revised?

6 November 2024

whale jumping out of water in iceland; Shutterstock ID 745407220; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Andrea Quartarone/Shutterstock

I enjoy diving into the sea for fun. Might whales, sharks and rays breach just because it feels good?

Rod Kater,

Allynbrook, New South Wales, Australia

Close up of a spinning globe on black; Shutterstock ID 22230961; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shutterstock Copyright: Jim Barber/Shutterstock

As Earth’s rotation slows, how long will it be before the rules for deciding on leap years have to be revised?

Goronwy Humphreys,

Wallasey, Cheshire, UK

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number…

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